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General Information
Troubleshooting
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General Information
What is BIOS
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. The BIOS (sometimes called CMOS) is the program that controls a computer's boot process. The purpose of the BIOS is to identify and initialize memory, CPU, motherboard subsystems and installed hardware, such as hard drives, floppy disks and optical drives.
When to Update the BIOS
Update the BIOS on your computer only if the newer BIOS version specifically solves a problem you have. We do not recommend BIOS updates for computers that do not need it. You can view all BIOS changes in the Release Notes included with the BIOS updates in Download Center.
Where to Get BIOS Updates
All BIOS updates are available in Intel’s Download Center.
How to Update the BIOS
There are up to five methods of updating an Intel® Desktop Board BIOS to the latest version. The number of options made available for any particular board varies, depending on drive support and BIOS update file size. Refer to BIOS Update Instructions.
BIOS Settings
For a list of BIOS settings along with their purpose and options, refer to the BIOS Settings Glossary.
How to Enter the BIOS Setup
The BIOS Setup program can be used to view and change the BIOS settings for the computer. You can access the BIOS Setup program by pressing the <F2> key after the Power-On Self-Test (POST) memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins.
If any problems occur after making BIOS settings changes (poor performance, intermittent issues, etc.), reset the desktop board to default values:
- During boot, enter the BIOS setup by pressing F2.
- Press F9 to set defaults.
- Press F10 to Save and Exit.
If the system locks or won’t boot after making BIOS settings changes, perform a BIOS recovery.
BIOS Language
The BIOS Setup program and help messages are supported in US English. Additional languages are available in the Intel® Integrator Toolkit utility.
BIOS Splash Screens
During POST, an Intel® splash screen is displayed by default. This splash screen can be augmented with a custom splash screen. The Intel® Integrator Toolkit or Intel® Integrator Assistant can be used to create a custom splash screen.
Depending on your hardware configuration (processor and memory), the system’s boot time may be so quick that the splash screen is not visible. To resolve this, you can add a delay to the boot sequence:
- Press F2 during boot to enter the BIOS Setup.
- Go to the Advanced > Drive Configuration menu.
- Increase the time in the Hard Disk Pre-Delay setting.
- Press F10 to Save and Exit.
BIOS Configuration Jumper
The three-pin BIOS jumper block enables all board configurations to be done in the BIOS Setup program.
The following table shows the jumper settings for the BIOS Setup program modes.
| Jumper Setting |
Mode |
Description |
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Normal (default) (1-2) |
The BIOS uses the current configuration and passwords for booting.
|
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Configure (2-3) |
After the Power-On Self-Test (POST) runs, the BIOS displays the Maintenance Menu.
|
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Recovery (none) |
The BIOS recovers data in the event of a failed BIOS update. | |
Troubleshooting
BIOS Update Error
If you have downloaded the wrong BIOS (one for a different board model), when you try to updated the BIOS, you may get one of the following error messages:
This program is unable to continue. The BIOS you are trying to update to is invalid for your system.
BIOSID’s do not match
Currently installed BIOS ID:
Attempting to install BIOS ID:
Error: Flash update was unsuccessful. Remove diskette and reboot your system to continue.
Be sure you’ve downloaded the correct BIOS for your board. You can view a list of BIOS IDs (with links to Download Center) at List of BIOS Identifier Codes. If your board is not on the list, you most likely have a board that was manufactured for a specific OEM board and you should contact that OEM for board support.
System Won’t Boot After BIOS Update
If the system will not boot up after updating the BIOS, the BIOS may have become corrupted during the update process. Try the following:
Clear the CMOS
Clearing the CMOS memory will cause you to lose all customized settings in the BIOS. Make sure that you only do this if it is absolutely necessary. Before beginning, make a note of all BIOS settings on your system.
To clear the CMOS:
- Turn off all peripheral devices connected to the computer. Disconnect the computer’s power cord from the AC power source (wall outlet or power adapter).
- Remove the computer cover.
- Locate the battery on the board.
- With a medium flat-bladed screwdriver, gently pry the battery free from its connector. Note the orientation of the “+” and “-” on the battery.
- Leave the battery out for 10 - 15 minutes, for the CMOS to lose the settings.
- Replace the battery in the connector, orienting the “+” and “-” correctly.
- Replace the computer cover.
- Turn the system back on.
You will need to reset the date and time in the BIOS Setup after clearing the CMOS.
Perform a BIOS Recovery
If clearing the CMOS does not resolve a no-boot situation, try performing a BIOS recovery.
Refer to Troubleshooting System Boot Issues
If clearing the CMOS and performing a BIOS recovery do not resolve a no-boot situation, refer to Troubleshooting System Boot Issues for additional troubleshooting tips.
BIOS Loses Date and Time (or Changed Settings Not Saved)
A coin-cell battery (CR2032) powers the real-time clock and CMOS memory. When the voltage of the CMOS battery drops below a certain level, the BIOS Setup program settings stored in CMOS RAM (for example, the date and time) might not be accurate. If you find that date and time is incorrect or if you make BIOS setting changes but they are not saved, replace the battery with an equivalent one.
CAUTION
Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced with an incorrect type. Batteries should be recycled where possible. Disposal of used batteries must be in accordance with local environmental regulations.
To replace the battery, follow these steps:
- Turn off all peripheral devices connected to the computer. Disconnect the computer’s power cord from the AC power source (wall outlet or power adapter).
- Remove the computer cover.
- Locate the battery on the board.
- With a medium flat-bladed screwdriver, gently pry the battery free from its connector. Note the orientation of the “+” and “-” on the battery.
- Install the new battery in the connector, orienting the “+” and “-” correctly.
- Replace the computer cover.
BIOS Updates May Fail on Intel® AMT Systems
Multiple security enhancements and Intel® Manageability Engine (Intel® ME) updates may have altered the BIOS update process for Intel® Desktop Boards DQ965CO, DQ965GF and DQ965WC.
Refer to BIOS updates may fail on Intel® AMT systems for details.
Forgot BIOS Password
If a User Password has been set in BIOS, you must enter the password to boot the system. If you have forgotten the password, you will need to clear the BIOS password in BIOS setup. Refer to Clearing BIOS Passwords for instructions.
If clearing passwords in BIOS Setup does not work, you may need to clear the CMOS. (link to previous section)
This applies to:
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